His
Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has been in reign for 8 years since
2006 though the public coronation took place much later on 1st
November, 2008. So as we plough through the sixth year of constitutional
democracy, it is important that we recall that His Majesty also played a very
crucial role in realizing the vision of his great visionary Father King Jigme
Singye Wangchuck. The actual transition to democracy happened during the early
reign of the 5th King though it originated from the Throne of the 4th
King. Therefore His Majesty has a big commitment and personal stake in the
success of the constitutional democracy.
Democracy
in my view is on one hand a proven platform for promotion of individual human
rights and governance by the people. On
the other hand, especially, for a tiny and economically poor country, democracy
is also a spongy field into which seeps insatiable greed for power and wealth.
It also provides fertile opportunities for external forces to intervene and
disrupt internal affairs of the nation. Such divisive internal factors and
aggressive external influences can tear apart the fragile social and political fabrics
which have been nurtured for centuries.
In
today’s world, there are no true Allies or trusted colleagues. The revelation about
America spying on even NATO Leaders demonstrates that a close and trusted ally
is actually a callous vulture. Bhutan is in a precarious position. It is jammed
between the world’s two most populous nations with unpredictable political mood
swings and ambitions. And add on to this situation, our own political
immaturity and gullibility buoyed up by jostle for power and influence. All
this together puts our national security and stability upon greater precipice.
Therefore
the challenges that a King faces under Constitutional Democracy are rather
daunting. And yet the challenges must be met for sake of Bhutanese nation and
prosperity. The King of Bhutan must be selflessly impartial and fearlessly
brave to secure for all time to come, the sovereignty of Bhutan and the
happiness of her people.
On
this occasion of Coronation Anniversary, I pray that the Deities of Pelden
Drukpa bless and aid the King in his monumental task of guiding the nation in
all spheres of national interest and the unity of all Bhutanese. I respectfully
wish for the Reign of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to bring
further happiness to the Bhutanese society and the Royal Institution. Long Live
their Majesties the King and the Queen.